An Irish MEP has called for the European Parliament to develop a clear definition of a "fair income" for farmers as part of the EU's agriculture budget for next year.

During a debate in the parliament's agriculture committee, Midlands--North-West MEP Ciaran Mullooly raised questions over the recommendations outlined in the draft of report to be sent to the European Commission.

The report is on the EU's 2026 budget for agriculture.

The debate focused on ensuring adequate funding for farmers and promoting the sustainability of the EU's agricultural production system.

In his address, the Irish MEP called for clarity when discussing a "fair income" for farmers in the draft report to be submitted to the commission.

He urged policy makers to define the concept of a fair income in practical terms, saying: "We need to be clear on what a fair budget means. If we don't know what a fair income is, how can we aim to achieve it for family farms?'

He questioned how a fair income would be defined, asking if it would be based on a national average, the EU industrial wage, or a rate-per-hour worked by the farmer.

Mullooly also asked if the fair income definition would "take into consideration the appalling conditions our farmers sometimes work in".

He said those questions should be addressed to ensure the future viability of the EU agricultural production system.

"I believe we need to set out a plan to ensure that the future viability of the EU agricultural production system is worked out properly," the Independent Ireland MEP said.

He also called for further measures at an EU level to promote generational renewal in the agriculture sector, and said that fair income levels are essential to achieving this goal.

"There is one certain and sure way to achieve [generational renewal]. This is to have an income that justifies the commitment, the dedication and the expertise that is required to meet the ever-increasing cost of food production," Mullooly said.